More interested in politics than pigskin? If you’re not heading to a sports bars for the Redskins’ season opener Thursday night, you might want to check out a few places that are showing another major event—the Republican National Convention and John McCain’s acceptance speech.

The Alexandria Republicans are gathering Thursday night to watch McCain accept the nomination at Clyde’s at Mark Center. The speech is at 8, but the party is 6 to 9.

The Arlington County Republican Committee will be chilling at the Holiday Inn Arlington in Ballston to watch McCain’s address. The party, held in the hotel’s Sidetrack Lounge, runs from 7:30 until the convention ends; admission is free. To RSVP, call 703-685-2488 or e-mail watch@arlingtongop.org. You can find out more at arlingtongop.org/involve/watch08.

The DC Young Republicans will tune in to the convention at Porter’s Dining Saloon. The event runs from 8 to 11:30, and admission is free.

Republicans will be buzzing over the convention Thursday night at Buzz Bakery in Alexandria. Beer, wine, special “convention cocktails,” and “McCain cupcakes” will be served. The buzz begins at 8, and admission is free.

Pat Troy’s in Old Town will show the convention on the big screen Thursday night from 8:30 to 10:30. Call 703-549-4614 to reserve a table.

Here are a couple more places around the area that we’ve confirmed will be showing the convention, but you’ll most likely be competing with the Skins game:

Lounge 201
Hawk and Dove

Do you know other RNC watching parties going on? Let us know in the comments below!

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